
A prize-winning light bulb that lasts for 20 years is going on sale in the US the Earth Day.
Made by Dutch electronics giant Philips, the bulb swaps filaments for light-emitting diodes to provide illumination.
Using LEDs endows the light with a long life and a hefty price tag. The first versions are set to cost $60 (£37).Philips has arranged discounts with shops that will sell the bulb meaning some could buy it for only $20 (£12).
Production banThe bulb triumphed in the Bright Tomorrow competition run by the US Department of Energy that aimed to find an energy efficient alternative to the 60-watt incandescent light bulb.
The DoE challenged firms to develop a design that gave out a warm light similar to that from an incandescent bulbs but was much more energy efficient.Philips was the only entrant for the competition and its design underwent 18 months of testing before being declared a winner.
A cheaper and less efficient version of the LED bulb is already sold by Philips in the US and Europe.
Energy efficiency is becoming a more and more crucial as global warming increases and more pressure is put on our energy resources. Although in small measures, this would be a welcome change.
Made by Dutch electronics giant Philips, the bulb swaps filaments for light-emitting diodes to provide illumination.
Using LEDs endows the light with a long life and a hefty price tag. The first versions are set to cost $60 (£37).Philips has arranged discounts with shops that will sell the bulb meaning some could buy it for only $20 (£12).
Production banThe bulb triumphed in the Bright Tomorrow competition run by the US Department of Energy that aimed to find an energy efficient alternative to the 60-watt incandescent light bulb.
The DoE challenged firms to develop a design that gave out a warm light similar to that from an incandescent bulbs but was much more energy efficient.Philips was the only entrant for the competition and its design underwent 18 months of testing before being declared a winner.
A cheaper and less efficient version of the LED bulb is already sold by Philips in the US and Europe.
Energy efficiency is becoming a more and more crucial as global warming increases and more pressure is put on our energy resources. Although in small measures, this would be a welcome change.